Brand Names: Ciloxan

Generic Name: ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Pronunciation: SIP roe FLOX a sin off THAL mik)

• What is ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?
• What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?
• How should I use ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?
• What happens if I overdose (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?
• What should I avoid while using ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?
• What other drugs will affect ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?

Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones (flor-o-KWIN-o-lones). Ciprofloxacin fights bacteria in the body.

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic is also used to treat an ulcer in the cornea of the eye.

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Ciloxan 0.3%

What are the possible side effects of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe swelling, itching, burning, redness, or discomfort in or around your eye;
• eye pain, vision changes, increased sensitivity of your eyes to light;
• signs of new infection, such as drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild itching, burning, redness, or irritation;
• blurred vision, dry or watery eyes;
• puffy eyelids;
• feeling like something is in your eye;
• a white-colored buildup in your eye (if you are being treated for corneal ulcer); or
• nausea, unpleasant taste in your mouth after using the drops.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment (ciprofloxacin hcl ophthalmic ointment) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (Ciloxan Ophthalmic Ointment)?

You should not use this medication if you allergic to ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or similar medications such as levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), ofloxacin (Floxin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and others.

Avoid wearing contact lenses while you still have active symptoms of the eye infection you are treating. Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Do not allow the tip of the tube or dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

While treating a corneal ulcer, you may notice a whitish buildup in your eye. This is a sign that the medication is working and is not a harmful effect. This buildup should clear within a few days or weeks of treatment.

Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe swelling, itching, burning, redness, or discomfort, eye pain or vision changes, signs of new eye infection (drainage, crusting, or oozing), or the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild.